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Reviews

We're luck to have our son attend Davis. The staff are excellent. Teach and TA and parents are motivated to help kids learn. Most importantly the program at Davis make kids want to learn and want to be in school to learn.

- submitted by a parent

April 02, 2014

The staff did a super job. We were lucky to have our son goes there. They kept each student focus to educational goals, and work closely to each and every student including the parent.

- submitted by a parent

March 20, 2014

My child has had a lot of difficulties at this school. I can see why so many reviewers have said they do not like the school. I agree that this school is better than the neighborhood schools, but that is not saying much. Most of the surrounding schools are improvement schools with low test scores. We have a very limited selection of what I would consider "good" schools in our area. That is the only reason my child is still at this school. If we could afford to move our child to another area or another school, we would.

- submitted by a parent

March 06, 2014

Love, Love, Love this school! Unlike the parent who wrote that last review. I too am at the school several times a week. I've been at the school from the beginning and find it so amazing. I do have another school to compare it to and it blows the neighboring schools away in all aspects. You can tell that the teachers are so happy to be teaching at a school with so much parental involvement. I'm a room mom and I never have any problems getting parents to volunteer. Such a breath of fresh air from the school I came from. My children have way more knowledge and I can see the difference from my oldest child who came from the neighboring school, versus my other child who had been at Davis Magnet from the beginning. So blessed to be apart of this community! Last year there was a 350 child waiting list. Glad to see an unhappy parent leaving to make room for a family who will be very thankful for that spot next year.

- submitted by a parent

February 13, 2014

We have had our child here for several years. Each year, I keep hoping it will get better. It has not. I have seen first hand the lack of education the students actually receive. The school lacks in supervision and disciple of the students. Students can basically do whatever they want and there are no consequences for their poor behavior. Teachers have no control over their classrooms and the new administration does nothing to fix the issues that have been plaguing the school for years. This school has been a complete disappointment for our family. There are several reviews on here about how wonderful the school is, I would have to disagree. I am always at the school. I have been in my child's classroom volunteering every year for hours and hours. I have done all the reading, math facts, and extra work after school with my child. I feel I have a very informed opinion of OUR SCHOOL. I am very involved in the school and the activities. I think the reason that so many parents might feel that this is a great school is because they have nothing better to compare it to. This is our last year at this school. We are moving to a better school district. I would avoid the school if you can.

- submitted by a parent

September 29, 2013

Davis is a great school. the teachers work well with students and the principal is actively involved with the students. we're very happy to have our grandson attend !

- submitted by a parent

August 24, 2013

For those of you above with your complaints. I have to say that most likely you did Not in fact do what was expected of you by Our School. You did not do your Math Facts nor Reading Every day for 30 minutes nor your child's Computer programs. You did not invest enough time as a parent to your one or multiple child's needs. As for attitude .. You get back what you give. We are entering our 4th year and are very pleased with the SOARING GRADES that we see from our own child. I stand there every day and see the lack of parenting while certain kids run over The Parents. It has Nothing to do with the school!! Be a better parent

- submitted by a parent

August 19, 2013

We had three painful years at Davis Magnet School. Now we are in a wonderful educational place in a different state. Davis Magnet teachers we had lacked in lesson planning, parent-teacher communication, and classroom management. Our son's days were filled with doing worksheets, and unsupervised use of technology programs. I volunteered in the classroom, and not once saw actual "teaching", just independent work. The classrooms were chaotic. If there ever were any "projects" those were to be done at home (=parents' responsibility). The math and science focus was a joke. There were a few after school programs, but we did not see anything exceptional in the everyday teaching. However, the music program is great, PTA awesome, and the parents are very involved. Still, we have been so pleased to see the progress our son has made in the new school past year. While at Davis, his performance was always average, but once we enrolled him in the new school, and they tested his skills, he had to be placed in a grade below, because by 3rd grade, the kids in the new school were already a full year ahead where an average Davis Magnet student would have been. Now he is above all standards.

- submitted by a parent

August 17, 2013

The school as a whole is great. We really like the science and music programs. Last year one of our children was in a very rowdy class and the teacher had no control. Our children have only been at this school but I think the teachers need more guidance on dealing with discipline problems. I've noticed that some teachers are firm and others let students rule the class.

- submitted by a parent

August 04, 2013

My son is entering his last year at Davis Magnet. Since the beginning of his journey here as a 2nd grader at the onset of the Magnet curriculum, I can honestly say, "if these children Re the future leaders of our city, county and country...we're going to be in great hands. It's more than just a school. It's a co-op education community of, students, teachers, facility, and parents with a principle that is involved, listens and shares our goals. From music, science, technology, engineering/robotics, these kids could not get a better start in their education. The sky is not the limits here, these kids are looking to the galaxy and beyond.

- submitted by a parent

August 01, 2013

My grandson goes to Davis and loves his teachers and the attention he receives on an individual basis and has excelled in his classes the 4 yrs. of attending! We love Davis!

- submitted by a community member

June 12, 2013

I feel very blessed to be a part of the Davis family. I have two children there and we are going on our third year. Our experience has been nothing but positive. Having never attended any other schools it's difficult to say how it compares, but I can say my children have made wonderful friends, the teachers are fantastic, we love all the programs they offer and especially love the degree of family involvement. The PTA is incredible as well! Because of morning flag deck occurring every day the families have an opportunity to connect with one another, which facilitates stronger relationships within the school. The new principle is awesome and has a positive energy that radiates throughout the school. She seems to be perpetuating Dr. Rafferty's vision successfully. If I had any complaint at all it would be my desire to see stronger consequences and intervention for bullying.

- submitted by a parent

March 01, 2013

My son has been at Davis since it opened. He started in 2 nd grade and is now in 5th. We love this school. Every teacher so far has been exceptional . Parents are here because we Want to be here not because its our neighborhood school. Teachers were hand picked by the best principal in the state and they too want to be part of something special. Davis offers wonderful extra programs in science math and technology areas. The school is committed to having 100 % of students achieving competency in the core curriculum not the 80% that the state asks for. I am confused by the negative reviews and what those parents said or experienced because I haven't seen or heard anything of the sort and I'm on campus and involved at Davis.

- submitted by a parent

December 14, 2012

We were originally very excited about this school. However, the quality of the teaching staff has gone downhill. Although this school may have adopted the philosophy of meaningful homework to no homework, the reality is otherwise. We agree that mindless and piles of homework serve no purpose and do embrace the idea that homework should promote "higher-level thinking", parent involvement, responsibility, retention and good study habits. Based on the assignments we have witnessed year after year, it has been nothing more than the tearing of pages from various workbooks that have absolutely no value. Our Child is finished with the "assigned" homework in a matter of minutes. The only challenging work our child sees is what we as parents are coming up with. Spelling homework has been a joke...copying words down over and over doesn't work. How about the teachers invest more time to construct better lesson plans, and incorporate some strategies students can use at home. To the parent bragging about assigned reading, pretty much a state standard, nothing special there, just like the rest of the davis curriculum.

- submitted by a parent

November 30, 2012

This is one of the worst schools I have seen in Orange County. The only reason I gave this school one star is because I didn't have a selection for zero stars. Why do I dislike this school? Well we can start with the holier than though attitude I have received from the teachers, and the unwillingness of the prior principal Rafferty, who quit in a rather sudden fashion, to work with parents. The teachers at this school, with the exception of Mr. S, seem to have their "favorite pet" parents. The rest of us are ignored. The assignments given are pathetic, almost none existent. They are no brainer assignments. This will seriously handicap the kids when they get to high school, and college. This anti homework campaign is absolutely absurd. How are kids supposed to learn other points of view when they aren't assigned anything? When they actually get homework it is a mere fill in the blank.

- submitted by a parent

November 20, 2012

Our daughter has been at Davis since kindergarten. She is now in third grade. She has had a wonderful experience! The teachers are top rate! I've done lots of in class volunteering and the teachers I've seen have all been amazing. Contrary to what the above reviewer wrote I've found that the teachers and staff are incredibly friendly. We were disappointed that Dr. Rafferty left! However, the school is on the right track and most people I've spoken to are confident that the right replacement will be found.. Some of the highlights of the school are the librarian. She's always friendly and approachable. The kids adore her! The science teacher, Ms Brusic is phenomenal. She's great with kids and she's really knowledgeable. The music teacher, Mr. S is energetic and beloved at the school. There are lots of family activities at the school (Sock Hop, Camp Out, etc) that people really look forward to. The final shining star is the teaching staff. They are a sharp group with high expectations. I couldn't be more impressed with the teaching staff!

- submitted by a parent

August 31, 2011

I feel so blessed to have my children attend Davis Magnet School. We couldn't ask for a better principal. Dr. Rafferty goes over and above. He is hands on and inspirational. The teachers are excellent. Combine that with tremendous parent involvement and you have the formula for success.

- submitted by a parent

June 08, 2011

We are also a first year Kindergarten family and I am impressed. The academics are superior. Teachers collaborate within and without of their grade levels and demonstrate flexibilty that enhances learning. The principal is remarkable - he is always available for matters large and small and is a true leader. The community of families is strong, supportive and positive. This school has all the ingredients needed to continue to grow better and better year over year!

- submitted by a parent

May 07, 2011

My daughter is finishing Kindergarten and I am beyond pleased with her progress. The teachers go above and beyond what is expected of them and make learning fun, yet challenging. Dr. Rafferty is by far the best principle in the district. He is always on campus for flag salute, helps with the loading and unloading of kids during pick up and drop off and has high expectations of his staff, students and parents. Dr. Rafferty can always be found at the PTA meetings and was extremely dedicated in getting our relationship with NHL's Ducks to partner with the school. With top notch free after school programs for all grade levels to enrich their learning, what more could you ask for. I love this school and look forward to my other two children attending in the future. It can only get better.

- submitted by a parent

January 15, 2011

This is my sons second year here and I couldn't be happier. The teachers are awesome and I'm amazed every year by how much he learns. He's in first grade now and is reading books for 3rd graders, but I never feel like he's being pushed too far. My 3 year old just started Pre-school here, and I'm just as happy with it. Can't wait for all the years to come!

- submitted by a parent

August 19, 2010

We will be entering our 2nd year at Davis Magnet in less than 3 weeks and are very excited. My son was in 1st grade last year and had an amazing teacher- he learned so much and had fun doing so. We have a fantastic principal who is constantly striving to raise the educational bar. The entire support staff cares for our kids and do a wonderful job each and every day. The focus on science, math and technology is top notch and the extra activities offered are terrific. We feel extremely lucky to be at Davis Magnet School.

- submitted by a parent

August 18, 2010

I love the school,teachers and principal. My kid's can't wait to go to school. they love there teacher and principal.

- submitted by a parent

June 25, 2010

I love the school, teachers and staff. The parent envolvement is phenamenal! my son cant get enough of the school!

- submitted by a parent

June 11, 2010

Dr. Rafferty, the teachers, staff and parent involvment is what makes this school the tops. My 2nd grader has a 5th grade reading level, He can't wait to go to school everyday to JiJi, (math program) and he thrives on after school science program. Don't look at the great school rating....it does not apply to us, its from 08-09 when the school was 4-6 grade only. Now it's a "Magnet School", under Dr. Rafferty's eye and it will no doubt be top in the country, but our learning garden will be top as well. Thanks to the parents, students, Dr. Rafferty, teachers, and staff. Looking forward to 10-11 school year with my soon to be 3rd grader

- submitted by a parent

April 13, 2010

Davis offers the children soo soo much!! Programs that push to learn in a fun way!

- submitted by a parent

no rating
April 13, 2010

This is such a great school due to teacher and parent involvment. The teachers are commited to making our kids love school and enjoy and learn at the same time.

- submitted by a parent

February 06, 2010

We are so happy to have our K & 3rd grade children at Davis Magnet School. The teachers and staff are nothing short of excellent, personally selected by Dr. Rafferty after an extensive inquiry process. Dr. Rafferty is definately a hands on Principal, who runs a tight ship. My kids like their new school and the proof is in the results of their testing. My kids are learning math and science in ways that I've never imagined. They also have a strong reading/writing program and an amazing music curriculm. The school has an active parent community and lots of fun aftershool programs. We are looking forward to great things to come for our school!

- submitted by a parent

no rating
October 23, 2009

The parents, teachers, and principal have done and excellent job in getting the school off to a fantastic start!

- submitted by a parent

no rating
October 23, 2009

The attention to my kids and their progress has been exceptional so far.

- submitted by a parent

no rating
October 22, 2009

Davis Elementary was recently changed to Davis Magnet School. This is our first year and we are off to an awesome start. Our principal is so hands on it is amazing. He hosts a flag deck every morning where birthday students particpate in hosting the flag salute. He picks one child randomly each day to bring two friends with them and come play table hockey with him. He is on duty every recess, lunch, and in the parking lot after school along with the teachers. My children have most of their homework online. My 5th grade son is planning a manned mission to Mars with his class by the end of the year. The focus on math, science, and technology is awesome and seems to be integrated into all subject matter including writing. They are offering awesome after school classes for the kids for free and include scientific topics like Forensics for the 6th graders, Sharks for 4th and 5th graders, Dinosaurs for K-2. Parent involvement has been off the charts! Looking forward to this being the first great year for this school out of many more to come!

- submitted by a parent

no rating
October 22, 2009

Dr. Rafferty is the best and has hired awesome top-notch teachers to care for our children. Best school in the district!

- submitted by a parent

October 14, 2009

As of September 2009, this school is now Newport-Mesa's first magnet school serving students K through 6th. It focuses on science, math and technology. My son has been there in kindergarten for exactly 27 days now and he loves it! His teacher is amazing. The principal (new for the magnet) is first-rate. The parents are involved and the students are motivated. I highly, highly recommend looking into this school if you live in the Newport-Mesa district.

- submitted by a parent

January 26, 2009

I would not recommend this school to anyone. No supervision on the playground lots of harassment between kids and a clueless principal.

- submitted by a parent

February 10, 2005

Davis is a great school in a great area. The teachers really care about the kids success.

- submitted by a student

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